For many of us in the floral industry, it’s easy to focus on the blooms in hand—what needs to be shipped today, which varieties are in demand, or what’s trending this season. But step back for a moment, and you’ll see that a major part of what keeps this industry blooming comes from one place: Colombia.
More than 80% of the fresh flowers imported into the U.S. come from Colombia, supported by a floral infrastructure that blends year-round consistency, biodiversity, and deep community impact. In 2024 alone, Colombian flower exports reached $2.3 billion, creating more than 200,000 jobs—most of them held by women—and supplying over 1,600 varieties to markets worldwide.
In a recent episode of The Bloom Show, Andrés Castellanos, Export Manager for Agrifood Products at Procolombia joined host Sahid Nahim to share why Colombian floriculture continues to lead the global floral export landscape—and what that means for U.S. buyers, wholesalers, and industry professionals today.
Colombia by the Numbers
Colombia is more than just a major player in floriculture—it’s a floral powerhouse. According to Procolombia, flower exports from the country grew at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8% between 2019 and 2024. That growth is rooted in deep industry infrastructure, global flower logistics, and a workforce that spans generations.
- $2.3 billion in fresh floral exports in 2024
- 200,000+ direct and indirect jobs supported by the floral sector
- 60-70% of formal female employment in Colombian agriculture is in floriculture
- 1,600+ flower varieties and 60 commercial species exported globally
- Flowers account for 11% of Colombia’s non-mining exports
These aren’t just numbers—they’re proof of a national industry that fuels both the U.S. market and the people who depend on it daily. With strong flower farming practices across Colombia Florverde certified flower farms and an efficient export system, the country continues to set a global standard.
A Supply Chain Built for Reliability
One of the key takeaways from the conversation with Procolombia is how Colombia has built an export infrastructure that makes it an ideal partner for the U.S. market. With ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, connections to over 500 cities worldwide, and major cargo operations out of Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport, Colombia delivers flowers quickly and consistently.
For U.S. floral professionals, this means year-round flower supply, fast turnaround, and the confidence to meet peak demand during key holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day—as well as emerging micro-holidays like Friendsgiving or Self-Love Day. For companies focused on sustainable flower sourcing, this consistency is key. The Colombian floral industry is also expanding into emerging markets while strengthening its relationship with the U.S.
Sustainability with Substance
Colombia’s floral industry isn’t just about volume. Through the internationally recognized Florverde Sustainable Flowers certification, the country has prioritized environmental and social responsibility. This includes:
- Water conservation and treatment initiatives (as shared by Procolombia and Florverde standards)
- Biodiversity preservation through environmentally responsible farming
- Fair labor practices and women’s empowerment
- Community reinvestment and education opportunities for agricultural families
Sustainable flower farming practices in Colombia aren’t a trend—they’re an industry-wide commitment. From large exporters to small growers, Florverde certification serves as a benchmark for transparency and accountability.
Why It Matters to the U.S. Floral Industry
For wholesalers, importers, and retailers in the U.S., sourcing from Colombia means more than just dependable product. It means aligning with a partner who understands the stakes: consistency, quality, sustainability, and community.
Whether you’re sourcing roses, chrysanthemums, carnations, or hydrangeas, Colombian growers are delivering at scale without compromising ethics. For businesses focused on floral sustainability and long-term trust with their customers, those values matter.
Spotlight on Proflora: Colombia’s Global Floral Showcase
While Colombia’s year-round flower supply and ethical growing practices keep the industry running, Proflora brings it all together in one place. Hosted in Bogotá every two years, Proflora is Colombia’s premier floral trade show—organized by Asocolflores—and one of the most important floral conventions in the world.
This year, The Bloom Show crew will be there conducting booth interviews and capturing real-time insights from across the industry floor. If you’re mapping out your floral calendar, we also recommend checking out our FREE Digital Floral Calendar—a curated guide to major floral conventions and events around the world, including Proflora.
Scheduled for October 1–3, 2025, this event showcases the full spectrum of Colombian floriculture: from emerging varieties to innovative packaging, sustainable farming practices to global flower logistics. It’s a space where breeders, growers, importers, and floral designers from across the Americas gather to connect, collaborate, and experience why Colombian floriculture is a global export leader.
If you’re in the floral industry, attending Proflora isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a strategic decision to stay connected to the heart of the flower trade.
Watch the Full Episode + Upcoming Guests
Want to dive deeper into the insights shared by Andrés Castellanos? Catch the full episode of The Bloom Show to hear the full conversation around exports, logistics, and how Colombian floriculture has become a global export leader.
And don’t miss what’s coming up:
- June 26: Beyond the Resume: How to Spot Top Talent in the Floral Industry with Pam Lopez of Pollen Talent
- July 8: The Bloom Show Correspondent: A New Chapter Begins for Joe Don Zetzsche
- July 10: The Bloom Show: How Jim McCann Built 1-800-Flowers from 1 NYC Shop into a Global Brand
- July 22: The Bloom Show Takeover with Tim Huckabee of The Profitable Florist
Be sure to subscribe to stay up to date with new episodes and floral innovation trends.
Whether you’re a seasoned importer or just starting to explore sustainable sourcing, the data and stories shared here are a reminder: Colombia isn’t just a supplier—it’s a partner.
Our Message to the Community: Let’s Bloom Through Connection
At New Bloom Media, we believe in building connections across the entire floral supply chain. This episode of The Bloom Show spotlighted a powerful reminder: sourcing with intention creates ripples that extend beyond the transaction.
From wholesalers to growers, understanding the roots of our supply chains leads to better decisions, deeper relationships, and more resilient businesses. By sharing insights from the people behind the blooms, we aim to empower our community to stay informed and connected.
Looking to plan ahead for more floral events, conventions, and key international trade shows? Download our FREE Digital Floral Calendar—a curated resource designed to help you stay connected and visible all year long. It’s just one more way we help our community stay ahead and in the know.
Stay inspired and informed—subscribe to our newsletter for expert content, industry updates, and exclusive Bloom Show announcements.
Have a story to share or want to be featured in a future episode of The Bloom Show? Let’s connect—reach out to us today. Contact us today.
